A shooting incident on Saturday at a bustling street festival in Ohio left at least 12 people injured. As gunfire broke out near the event in Toledo, attendees either sought cover or rushed to assist those who were hurt.
Hours later, no suspects had been arrested, according to Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan. He suggested that at least two individuals discharged firearms, likely targeting each other.
The shooting took place near the Old West End Festival, an annual two-day event in Toledo’s historic district featuring live music, food vendors, home tours, and shopping.
The festival’s remaining events on Sunday were canceled. Organizers stated that continuing would not be compassionate, responsible, or feasible.
The festival expressed their sorrow over the injuries in a statement: “We are heartbroken about those that were injured at the Old West End Festival.”
Heffernan noted that two of those injured were in critical condition. The victims’ ages ranged from 14 to 61, with most being in their early 20s.
Paul Sancya via AP Photo/Paul Sancya
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine expressed his concern over the incident in a statement, emphasizing that “Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families to spend time together without fear of violence.”
Authorities urged festival-goers to provide any photos or videos they might have.
Several videos shared on social media depicted people running amid gunfire, with emergency personnel attending to the wounded.
Fire Chief Allison Armstrong reported difficulties in reaching the hospital due to closed roads and festival traffic, but emergency responders managed to transport all patients within an hour.
Kevin Berry, who was at the arboretum enjoying live music with friends, recounted hearing multiple gunshots.
“Everybody hit the deck,” he recalled.
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After the chaos subsided, Berry noticed a gun discarded on the ground about 50 feet away. Police officers present at the festival promptly took action.
With his medical expertise and naval background, Berry searched for anyone requiring aid and encountered at least five individuals with gunshot wounds.
“The folks who were hit were spread out around the arboretum area,” he said.
George Kral, the city’s safety director, described the Old West End Festival as one of Toledo’s most iconic events.
“And it’s a shame that something like this had to ruin it,” Kral remarked.
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